Storm Bert live: Man dies after tree falls on car as ‘worst weather yet to arrive’
Scores of flood alerts issued across UK as major rail routes and roads closed amid ‘avalanche risk’ in mountains
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Your support makes all the difference.A man has died in Hampshire after a tree fell on a car as Storm Bert brings power cuts, heavy snow and high winds to the UK.
Hampshire Police said it was called just before 8am this morning to the southbound carriageway between Kings Worthy and Winnall and found the driver of a black Mercedes E350 dead at the scene.
Two severe amber weather alerts were issued in parts of Scotland and England, with up to 40cm of snow expected to fall in higher areas during a two to four-hour burst in which it will fall “thick and fast” ahead of a “rapid thaw” expected to cause localised flooding, the Met Office said.
With some rural communities expected to be cut off and 4,000 households in England and Wales left without power, the Met Office has urged people to keep a phone charger, torch and batteries at hand, while rail and road travel authorities urged caution and closed several major routes on Saturday.
There are a further five lesser yellow weather alerts covering much of the UK, relating to blizzard-strength winds and torrential rain. Powerful winds of up to 68mph have already been recorded, while the Met Office warns parts of Wales and South West England could see more than 100mm of rain.
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Ambert weather alerts now in force in Scotland and England
Severe ambert weather alerts are now in force for snow and ice in parts of Scotland and England.
The first warning, in force until 5pm, covers parts of Perthshire and the southern Highlands, while the second – in force until midday – stretches from just north of Bradford and Harrogate to as far north as Peebles in the Scottish Borders, but is confined mainly to rural areas in central northern England.
The two severe Met Office alerts warn that Storm Bert will bring a spell of heavy snow, leading to some disruption.
There is a good chance rural communities could become cut off, with power cuts likely and mobile phone coverage potentially taking a hit, while travel delays are likely and passengers could become stranded.
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Snow has begun to fall across the UK
52,000 households likely to require help over weekend, say British Gas
British Gas are expecting to see up to 52,000 households require help this weekend with their heating and hot water systems, as temperatures are set to plummet.
Their engineers have urged homeowners to prepare in advance by carrying out simple tasks such as bleeding their radiators and having boilers serviced.
Other tips include carefully checking water pipes, arranging furniture for warmth and preparing your heating before bedtime.
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Charities warn of impact of cold weather as UK feels ‘first taste of winter’
Charities have warned of the impact of the cold weather on society’s most vulnerable people as the UK experiences what the Met Office has called “the first taste of winter”.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season this week and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the charity was worried that the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be “extra fearful” about turning on their heating this winter.
Energy suppliers to spend £500 million on winter bills support
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The extra support comes as the Government seeks to reduce the impact of cutting winter fuel payments to about 10 million pensioners.
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Met Office confirm Storm Bert to hit UK this weekend
Every storm name for 2024/25 revealed as Storm Bert hits UK
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Drivers should stick to major roads and prepare for breakdown emergencies
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first taste of winter means drivers are suddenly contending with the some of the worst road conditions we’ve seen all year.
“With freezing temperatures already causing disruption in the east and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and snow showers now affecting regions further south, we advise motorists to plan well as ice forms on untreated surfaces.
“Drivers should ensure their tyres have plenty of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure to give them the best possible grip on the road. It’s best to stick to major roads, rather than rural areas where surfaces may not be gritted, reduce speeds and leave plenty of space behind the vehicle in front to ensure you have more time to stop.
“Everyone should travel prepared in case they find themselves broken down at the side of the road: a blanket, warm waterproof coat and gloves, sturdy footwear and a charging cable and mobile power bank are all essentials.”
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